Eye on Gaza

When we first established Adish, it was clear to us that we wanted our brand to be involved in more than just aesthetics. We wanted our brand to be a platform where we could discuss and raise awareness of what is happening in Occupied Palestine. We wanted to be able to take a stand and propel criticism against the occupation through the means we have. We feel deeply obligated to counter the apathy that is so commonplace in Israeli society, and so we would like to take a moment to talk about Gaza.

This past November, the most nationalist, extreme far-right government in Israeli history was elected. Many feared that this new coalition would embark on a new war on Gaza, and this fear has become reality. In May 2023, Israel launched another brutal, deadly airstrike on Gaza, killing dozens of innocent civilians, including children, and displacing hundreds of people. The attack, which lasted nearly a week until a ceasefire was reached, was no different from the countless air and land strikes that Israel has launched over the past two decades. In fact, every Israeli government, regardless of its political leaning, has launched wars and attacks on Gaza. The Gaza Strip has been shelled with thousands of bombs over the years. Between 2008 and 2021, Israel carried out over 20,000 airstrikes in Gaza, killing over 2,500 Palestinians, including 500 children.

The current conditions in Gaza are dire. The Gaza Strip has been under a crippling military blockade from air, land, and sea imposed by Israel and Egypt since 2007. This makes it the longest siege in modern history. The entire Gaza Strip has been designed by the Israelis to be one of the most densely populated places in the world, with over 2 million Palestinians living on a 41 km (25 mi) long, 6 to 12 km (3.7 to 7.5 mi) wide strip of land.

Israel controls every aspect of life in Gaza through the economic sanctions and restrictions it imposes. This form of collective punishment is illegal under international law and has had a devastating impact, creating an ongoing humanitarian crisis. Gaza's population has no freedom of movement, which is a violation of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Healthcare, electricity, sanitation, and other crucial infrastructure have all but collapsed in the past 16 years of the blockade.

The unemployment rate in Gaza is over 50%, and the poverty rate is over 70%. Many families are unable to meet their basic needs for food, water, shelter, and healthcare. The United Nations estimates that 1.2 million people in Gaza are food insecure. The median age in the Gaza Strip is 18, compared to a world average of 28. Around 50% of the population is 16 or younger, which means that half of the people in Gaza have known only war, destruction, and imprisonment in the prison that is Gaza, since they were born. These are devastating facts. They are crimes against humanity, constant violations of human rights, and violations of international law.

Growing up in Gaza is a traumatizing experience. Children are constantly exposed to violence, poverty, and displacement. They see their homes destroyed and their friends and families killed. This results with a devastating impact on their mental and emotional health.

In light of the horrendous war on Gaza that took place in the month of May 21’, where hundreds were killed by the Israeli airstrikes and a horrific humanitarian crisis unfolded, we were guided by an urge to throw a mutual fundraiser to support different aid non-profit organizations in Gaza, where to our awe and surprise 88,000$ were raised.

Following the success of the first fundraiser we were certain to make this an annual tradition. Last month we were privileged to have held our third successful fundraiser, this time for ‘Medical Aid for Palestinians’ organization (MAP). We are so honored to have been able to raise over €5,000 thanks to the generosity of both the artists who collaborated with us and the people who purchased the items we put up for sale. We feel this is just a drop in the ocean, and hope to be able to raise more donations in the future. Every bit helps.

Palestinians deserve to be free. They deserve to live their lives in dignity and health, to have an adequate standard of living. and they deserve to have all of their needs and rights met immediately. It’s true what they say, none of us is free until all of us are free.

Let us not forget that Israel does not stand guilty alone. It is with the financial support of the European Union, the United Kingdom, and the United States, trillions of dollars in total, that Israel is able to maintain its apartheid system. We believe it is through solidarity and through a collective, international, large scale act of public pressure, the blockade on Gaza can finally come to an end.

It is our responsibility in Adish to use our platform to speak out against injustice and to support the Palestinian cause. We can only encourage you to read, learn about Gaza, donate, volunteer and take action in any way possible to support the people in Gaza and Gazan refugees around the world.

Below is a small list of grassroot organizations and NGO’s which focus on aid to Gaza:

• Medical Aid for Palestinians (MAP): Is a British charity that provides medical services and advocates for the rights of Palestinians. MAP works with local partners to provide practical medical support to Palestinians living under occupation or as refugees.
  
  
• Grassroots International: This organization provides grants to grassroots organizations in Gaza working on issues such as agriculture, education, and health care.
  
  
• The Palestinian Agricultural Relief Committees (PARC): This organization works to improve the lives of Palestinian farmers in Gaza by providing them with access to land, water, and markets.
  
  
• The Union of Agricultural Work Committees (UAWC): This organization works to improve the lives of Palestinian farmers in Gaza by providing them with training, technical assistance, and marketing support.
  
  
• The Community Mental Health Program (CMHP): This organization provides mental health services to Palestinians in Gaza who have been affected by conflict, violence, and displacement.
  
  
• The Al Mezan Center for Human Rights: This organization works to protect the human rights of Palestinians in Gaza by documenting human rights violations, providing legal aid, and advocating for change.
  
  
• The Palestine Children's Relief Fund (PCRF): PCRF is a non-profit organization that provides free medical care to children in Gaza. They have helped over 2 million children since they were founded in 1991.
  
  
• Anera: Anera is a non-profit organization that has been working in Gaza for over 60 years. They provide a variety of services, including healthcare, education, and economic development.
  
  
• United Palestinian Appeal (UPA): UPA is a non-profit organization that provides humanitarian aid to Palestinians in the West Bank, Gaza, and East Jerusalem. They have been working in Gaza since 1992 and have provided food, water, shelter, and medical care to thousands of people.

* These nonprofits and activist groups are solely recommendations, and not affiliated with Adish.